Toyota Tsusho to Conduct Demonstration Tests for Commercialization of Truck Platooning in Singapore
-Contract signed with Transport Ministry and Port Operator PSA-
- Chemicals & Electronics
2017-02-23
Toyota Tsusho Corporation ("Toyota Tsusho") announces it has successfully won a contract to develop and test a truck platooning system for Singapore, a project solicited by the Singapore Ministry of Transport and PSA International Pte Ltd ("PSA"), one of the world's largest port operators.
Singapore is planning a two-phase demonstration test over the next three years to test the feasibility of truck platooning (using driverless trucks behind a lead truck) for container transport among the country's ports. Toyota Tsusho has won the contract for phase 1 during which tests will be conducted over approximately a year.
Phase 1
Period: January 2017 - December 2017 (current schedule)
Toyota Tsusho will design and develop a truck platooning system at a test course in Japan matching the driving environment in Singapore, and then conduct demonstration driving tests. At the completion of phase 1, the Ministry of Transport and PSA will select a contractor for phase 2, from between Toyota Tsusho or Scania.
Phase 2
Period: May 2018 - December 2019 (current schedule)
The contractor selected in phase 1 will conduct various tests on the designated test routes*1 on public roads connecting two ports.
*1 A route including a 10-km section of West Coast Highway and connecting Pasir Panjang and Brani container terminals in the southern area of the country.
The commercialization of truck platooning will help the Singapore logistics industry relieve the shortage of truck drivers and lessen daytime traffic congestion by increasing transportation volume at night. At the same time, it will raise the efficiency of inter-port cargo logistics and contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Singapore’s ports, a global logistics hub.
Toyota Tsusho will contribute to solving social issues through this project and will pursue successful commercial schemes for truck platooning. In addition, the company will continue to build experience and expertise through this and other projects including the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's smart mobility systems R&D and demonstration project. Based on the company's key strengths autonomous driving and ITS technologies, we will expand our business in the autonomous driving field.
The information in this release is current as of the date of announcement.
Please note that information may change after the date of announcement. Thank you in advance for your understanding.